On Friday 7th November, 2 cars and 1 minibus headed from Cornerstone Centre to Viney Hill in the Forest of Dean. It was raining dark and full of traffic. The 17 of us arrived in Vinney Hill and settled into our pods for the night while the leaders started cooking the Pizzas. We gathered for evening prayer and huddled round a fire enjoying each other’s company and s'mores. Fun and laughter continued into the night as the young people went to bed.

The following morning, we enjoyed breakfast and then the adventure continued where we split in two groups (Boys vs Girls) and did Crate stack and Archery. The Girls climbed the highest in Crate stack scaling 21 high, but the boys were cool calm and collected and came back in the Archery scoring the most points. After Lunch we headed for a muddy walk before a final group session. Each young person was given a gift of a Knife, Fork and spoon that were hand crafted by James with a design to symbolise the Shalom (our relationship with the world, each other and God).

As a team the highlight were the evening and morning prayers. Time around the fire and chatting with the young people on the walk.

“I had the best time; it was our first night away and I can’t wait for the next one.” Neither can the leaders so we’re planning a few more trips in 2026 – hoping to include a festival called Satellites in Shepton Mallet Showground, so pencil in your young person’s diary 6th-10th August 2026!

Jon, James, Lara, Taz, Maia, Isabel & Nic